Good Reasons to Take a Vacation (Even When You’re Busy)

Amy Taylor April 09, 2015

Vacation, vacation, vacation. Who doesn’t want to have a vacation? But let’s face it. People are more concerned about their jobs today more than ever. Most of our weekdays are spent in the workplace, and even during weekends, we still can’t help but peek on our work email and do some paperwork.

Even though the reason why we are working hard is good – to secure our future and provide what our family needs – we need to get off being busy and take a break too.

You may think taking a vacation is a waste of time and money, but its benefits are far more than you can imagine. Below are the top reasons why even though you are busy, you should still consider taking a vacation.

It can boost your productivity.

Believe it or not, taking a vacation is one fun and effective strategy to boost your productivity. Too much work and too little rest just leads to burnout, which affects your energy, drive and enthusiasm to work. Burnout doesn’t just make you less productive, it also makes you impatient and exhausted, and hinders with decision making. A study by University of Pittsburgh found that people who were satisfied with their vacation return to work more energised and optimistic.

It makes you happier.

Instead of spending a lot of cash on material things, save and spend more for positive experiences. And what could be a better way of cultivating positive experiences than allowing yourself to travel and explore a different environment and culture? According to a study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, taking a vacation spurs happiness, which could last for two or more weeks after they return. What’s more, the happiness experienced by vacationers occurs even before the vacation, and according to the study investigators, it could be due to the anticipation of the positive experience.

You get less stressed.

Going on a vacation dramatically reduces stress. Giving yourself a break from your usual routine and environment is one great strategy to deal with stress and burnout. What’s more, it is also a great opportunity to know yourself more, learn, and experience different things.

It gets your creative juices flowing.

Not only does going on a vacation introduces you to a new way of life, it also gives you a clearer perspective. Taking a vacation gives you time to recharge your batteries and refresh your brain cells, which helps a lot with creativity. So if you are working on a big project, consider taking a short break. Perhaps travel on a weekend. And who knows – you might just experience the “aha” moment you have been waiting for!

Traveling is good for your brain.

Traveling has been associated with an increase in the brain’s neuroplasticity or the ability of your brain to adapt to new ways of thinking and gain knowledge. Challenging your brain, through traveling, is one fun way to enhance your learning skills, memory, and recovery from brain damage.

It’s good for your overall health.

Traveling can also help keep the doctor away. A study by American researchers link travel to reduced risks of heart attack and depression, as well as promotion of brain health. The health benefits of having a vacation is more profound among older adults. Research shows that activities like traveling, odd jobs or gardening was associated with a lower risk of dementia.

You avoid monotony.

They say “change is as good as rest”. Being in a new environment and experiencing new things provides you with a break from the norm. It is really therapeutic to make changes from time to time in your daily routine.

You’ll be more active.

Travel can involve more activities which keep you moving. You know that physical activity does benefit you in many ways, from reducing your stress levels to enhancing your immune system. Maybe part of your plan is to go wakeboarding, white-water rafting, or mountain climbing. Make sure to include fun physical activities in your next vacation. Not only does it promote your health, it also reduced the guilt of having to eat a little more.

Going in a vacation even when you are busy is really a good idea, especially if you want to stay productive and sane even during the most stressful moments in your work life. So get started with planning your next travel. And be sure to make it one of the most memorable ones!